Job Search Tips for Accounting and Finance Students
Career fairs have been a great way for students to network and explore career opportunities. Career fairs give students the chance to meet with different employers, discover new industries, and to make plans for after graduation.
Career fairs usually are held in a big city or at a college; a physical location where many employers and jobseekers gather. However, because of the Covid pandemic, this dynamic had to change.The virtual career fairmuch like remote working, matured rapidly.
Are virtual career fairs here to stay?
Will in-person career fairs now be obsolete?
What tactics are best to stand out from the crowd?
The importance of attending a career fair
As graduation approaches, attending careers fairs is beneficial.
It may be tempting to do job searching online, but a career fair puts a candidate directly in front of potential employers.It’s not only an application form and a resume that the hiring manager sees. It’s the person. It’s a chance to really sell onesself to a company or role.
Career fairs also give access to free seminars, workshops, and tutorials. Learning about different career paths, and skills sets , are an important part of the job hunt.Talking to different people in the industry, learning about their companies, and discovering more about the duties and responsibilities associated with different jobs in preferred industries is key to being successful
At job fairs, observe how jobseekers approach and talk to hiring managers. Take note of what works, and what doesn’t
Career fairs are also a great place to practice interviewing and trying out different introductions. Learn about how best to answer challenging questions, as well as figuring out what questions to ask to demonstrate interest.
The downside to attending career fairs? If students are serious about post-graduation careers, there are none. They are a fantastic way to learn more about oneself, the industries being considered, different job roles, and the type of work. Plus, of course, they are undeniably exceptional opportunities to develop a professional network.
In-Person V Virtual Career Fairs: What’s the Difference?
Apart from the obvious ─ an event held in person and an event held online ─ what’s the difference between the two types of career fairs?
Perhaps the most striking is the effectiveness of in-person communication compared to virtual communication. On video, it’s difficult (if not impossible) to measure those nonverbal, body-language clues. Often, people feel that it is easier to build trust and rapport in-person.
On the other hand, it is easier and cheaper to attend a virtual career fair. And you are less likely to be led down a blind alley by judging the popularity of a company as an employer by the length of the line at the booth.
Virtual career fairs are cheaper and easier to plan. The number of attendees at online workshops and seminars is not limited, and can be downloaded and viewed later. It’s also easier to upload a resume, personal details, and collect company information.
Attending a virtual career fair won’t be hampered by poor weather or bad traffic, but, that there may be fewer companies represented. It may also be difficult to ‘revisit’ an employer after having a virtual meeting online during a career fair and there isn’t opportunities to ‘bump into’ new connections..
Standing Out at Career Fairs
Whatever type of career fair attended, success will largely depend upon preparation:
- Research the companies
- Develop your elevator pitch
- Prepare answers to probable interview questions
- Polish resume
- Dress to impress
- Create a portfolio (package it for in-person and online).
- Be prepared to take notes
- At in-person events, be mindful of body language. Online, keep eye contact by looking into the camera
- Be courteous, and remember time is limited
Will Virtual Career Fairs Replace In-Person Career Fairs?
The popularity of virtual career fairs is growing. But there are both pros and cons for them. While they are easier and cheaper to set up and run, they can be restrictive and remove some of the human element that is important to potential employers to identify a strong match.
Therefore, it’s probable to see hybrid career fairs develop ─ similar to how workplaces are now developing (part of the time in the office, part working remotely). The key to success is to be prepared to stand out in both environments.
As graduation is nearing, it’s crucial to approach job searches strategically. Useall the resources available – including career fairs, networking, online jobs boards, and registering with a staffing agency that is specialized in a chosen industry and career discipline.
For the best graduate openings in accounting and finance jobs in Atlanta, submit your resume to 6 Degrees Group today.